SALSA CELTICA

Salsa Celtica’s music is a synthesis of Afro Latin Salsa with Scottish & Irish traditional. With a lineup combining some of the most exciting traditional Celtic musicians with a stellar group of world, jazz and salsa musicians they are a stunning combination of virtuosity and energy. Their last concert at the Universal Hall was recorded as the highly acclaimed live album En Vivo en el Norte.

Salsa Celtica’s remarkable success story began in 1995 in the bars and clubs of Edinburgh and Glasgow. Emerging at the start of an era of Scottish folk resurgence alongside artists such as Shooglenifty and Martyn Bennett the group has constantly developed and experimented with their sound. From the early days of sessions and impromptu “descarga” gigs where Salsa Celtica were an immediate hit with the locals and the newly arrived Hispanic community the group have steadily grown in size and originality to where they are now known and loved worldwide.

After recording their debut album ‘Monstruos y Demonios’ (Monsters and Demons), Salsa Celtica took their music around the village halls of Scotland, from Skye to Mull, Iona to Barra, Lewis to Orkney, and everywhere in between. After this they travelled in pilgrimage to Cuba to hang out with salsa groups, including Son14 and Sonora La Calle, and to generally soak up Afro-Cuban sounds of Havana and Santiago de Cuba. Swapping whisky for rum they were asked to join in at musical / religious “bembe” gatherings and were invited to worship the Afro Cuban “orichas”. See also www.salsaceltica.com

Wed 20th June, 7.30pm, £15/£13 concessions

INDIA ALBA

India Alba represent a collaboration between two Indian and two Scottish musicians who combine Indian classical and Scottish traditional backgrounds to create a unique sound. Since their debut album Reels and Ragas, they have developed their music to reflect the broad common ground between their traditions. Many raga gats (themes), particularly those from the borders of the Himalayas, have close relatives in the melodies of the Scottish highlands and islands, and for both of them the drone sounds of the bagpipes or the tampura play an important part in the music. Recent performances have included the Celtic Connections festival in Glasgow, and the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games. Featuring Ross Ainslie on pipes, whistles and cittern.

See www.indiaalba.com

Their second CD, High Beyond, was recorded in the Hartola region of the Himalayas in 2009. The members of India Alba are all established musicians within their own fields who have collaborated with one another on various projects in India, Scotland and throughout the world.

Sat 30th June, 8pm, £10/£8 concs/£6 U16’s

Tickets available at the Phoenix Stores, Findhorn 01309 690110 and online at www.wegottickets/UniversalHall

Source: Universal Hall